The shop at Cherry Tree Nursery was broken in to last night, Tuesday 17 March, by three people wearing hoods and gloves. They damaged the gate, pulled off the protective netting and forced the shop door from its hinges. They ripped the donation box off the wall, taking whatever change was in it, and took the contents of another box which was a collection of money for an AIDS project in Uganda.
Cherry Tree provides sheltered work in a supportive environment for adults with severe and enduring mental illness in a plant nursery. It provides a safe haven and sanctuary for up to 200 people. The robbery therefore violates their place of safety, and the fact that the money stolen had been donated through the goodwill of others to enable this essential service to continue is especially distressing for everyone. No money from plant sales is kept in this shop overnight.
Ironically, as part of Cherry Tree Nursery’s 25th Anniversary Appeal, funds were being raised to extend the alarm system and security lights to cover the shop, and the charity had been hoping to raise the money to install it this year. They now additionally need to raise money to repair all the damage done last night. A spokesperson for the charity said, “Cherry Tree is lucky enough to have some wonderful support from the local community, and we are hoping they will respond generously to this situation.”
The nursery’s spring plant sale will be on Saturday 28 March from 8am to 3pm. It is hoped that a good turnout for this festival-like event will help to raise everyone’s spirits again.
Anyone with information about the theft should call the police on 101.
The nursery can be contacted on 01202-593537, or email contactus@cherrytreenursery.org.uk
Donations can be made via http://www.cherrytreenursery.org.uk/donate-to-the-charity.htm
